FINNISH authorities have confirmed a tanker is currently being investigated for its possible role in the rupture of the Estlink 2 subsea power cable.
Finish Police confirmed the Helsinki Police Department and Border Guard conducted a tactical operation aboard Eagle S, a tanker registered to the Cook Islands, following the incident on Wednesday (25 December).
“The authorities have taken investigative measures on the vessel, with access there provided by the Finnish Border Guard and the Defence Forces helicopters,” Poliisi, the Police of Finland said.
Overseas media reported that Eagle S had called into the Russian port of Ust-Luga, a known oil port, prior to entering Finland’s Exclusive Economic Zone, sparking allegations the vessel may have been involved in Russia-linked “dark fleet” operations.
Poliisi confirmed that the case is currently being investigated as aggravated criminal mischief, with Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation responsible for leading the criminal investigation.
“Customs is making preliminary inquiries on-site in regard to an aggravated regulation violation and is looking into details concerning the cargo,” Poliisi confirmed.
The Estlink 2 subsea cable transports electricity between Finland and Estonia. Of the three incidents this year in which cables were damaged in the Baltic, this is the first in which suspects were detained by the coastal state.
Eagle S was built in 2006, and has a deadweight tonnage of 74035. Finnish authorities reported the vessel was missing its anchor, and suspect the anchor may have damaged the power cable.
